Nigeria needs leaders to end oppression — Datti Baba-Ahmed

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, expressed no remorse about supporting Peter Obi as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election. He delivered this statement during a keynote address at the Bala AbdulKadir Mohammed Colloquium, which took place at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, the state's capital. The event was held to mark the 68th birthday of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

When asked about his decision, Baba-Ahmed stated that his primary motivation was to promote unity, forgiveness, and trust in Nigeria. He believed that fundamental questions needed to be addressed regarding Nigeria's leadership and democratic future. Baba-Ahmed emphasized that Obi was a Nigerian who was in the constitutional line to assume the presidency, and thus, his candidacy was in line with the doctrine.

He drew parallels to the doctrine of necessity, which Nora stood for due to threatened people's rights and societal questions. Baba-Ahmed maintained that he stood for Nigeria in 2023 to foster forgiveness, unity, and trust among its citizens.

Furthermore, Baba-Ahmed urged Nigerians to develop the courage to oppose oppression and injustice, asserting that leaders should not be merely celebrated but encouraged to utilize their positions to protect the people. He argued that appreciating leaders was not about inflating their egos but about educating others on the importance of shared qualities.

Baba-Ahmed also addressed the state of Nigeria's democracy, noting that the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches had weakened. Consequently, the National Assembly struggled to fulfill its constitutional role effectively. He called on Nigerians to stand up for themselves and demand a system that genuinely serves the people rather than one controlled by a select few.

The former vice-presidential candidate further criticized the growing culture of oppression in Nigeria, urging both leaders and citizens to confront injustice. He emphasized that acceptance of oppression was becoming deeply ingrained in the nation's DNA. Baba-Ahmed called for leaders who would stand against injustice, even at the risk of compromising their positions.

In conclusion, Baba-Ahmed expressed his unwavering support for Peter Obi, stating that he had no regrets about his decision during the 2023 presidential election.